Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Update

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Current Status (as of May 20, 2026)

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback during the Waterfront and Non-Waterfront Zoning consultations. At the latest Planning Committee meeting held on May 14, 2026, Staff Report DSES-2026-020 (pg. 344) regarding Non-Waterfront zoning issues was presented and discussed. In this meeting, Committee directed staff to include all of the recommended amendments for the first draft of the zoning by-law amendment and to pause the project until after the municipal election.

To be notified of updates, subscribe to this project page to stay informed.

Why are we updating this by-law?

In accordance with Section 26(9) of the Planning Act, the Township is required to review and amend its Comprehensive Zoning By-law within three years of an updated Official Plan coming into effect to ensure it conforms with the updated Official Plan. The District of Muskoka approved the Township’s new Official Plan on November 20, 2023.

The purpose of the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law is to implement the policies of the Official Plan for the District of Muskoka and the Township’s Official Plan. Official Plans are general documents that are not intended to regulate every aspect of built-form on a private lot. In the Province of Ontario, this is the role of a zoning by-law. The statutory authority to zone land is granted by the Planning Act. The Planning Act specifies what a zoning by-law can regulate.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update is being undertaken in two phases:

  1. Waterfront Zoning (completed in Fall 2025)
  2. Non-Waterfront Zoning (completed in Winter/Spring 2026)

Who's involved?

Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. and Donna Hinde of the Planning Partnership have been retained by the Township to to provide professional services to prepare the update. The Project Lead will be the Township’s Manager of Planning. A Project Steering Committee will provide initial feedback and guidance to the Township’s Planning Committee.

Final approval of the updated Comprehensive Zoning By-law will be made by Township Council at a future date.

Phase 1 | Waterfront Zoning

Consultation completed in Fall 2025.

In summer 2025, the Township engaged the community and stakeholders on Waterfront Area zoning issues as part of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update. Engagement activities included one-on-one conversations with the project consulting team, an in-person information session and an online survey.

Key Documents:

Phase 2 | Non-Waterfront Zoning

Consultation completed in Winter/Spring 2026.

In Winter/Spring 2026, this phase focused on key zoning issues affecting non-waterfront areas and was supported by a Consultation Guide outlining potential zoning changes aligned with the 2023 Official Plan. While parts of the 2023 Official Plan remain under appeal, this phase of engagement focuses on un-appealed policies and identified zoning issues.

Key Documents:

Recently Concluded:

  • Virtual Information Session (Occurred: January 26, 2026)
  • One-on-one phone conversation with the project consulting team (Occurred: January 16, 2026)
  • Online Survey (Closed: March 8, 2026)
  • In-person Information & Engagement Session (Occurred: March 4, 2026)

How to Get Involved

  • Written comments are always welcomed via email (to planning@muskokalakes.ca) or in-person at the Township Office (1 Bailey St., Port Carling), addressed to the Planning Department.
  • Share the project page with your neighbours and community networks to help spread the word.

Current Status (as of May 20, 2026)

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback during the Waterfront and Non-Waterfront Zoning consultations. At the latest Planning Committee meeting held on May 14, 2026, Staff Report DSES-2026-020 (pg. 344) regarding Non-Waterfront zoning issues was presented and discussed. In this meeting, Committee directed staff to include all of the recommended amendments for the first draft of the zoning by-law amendment and to pause the project until after the municipal election.

To be notified of updates, subscribe to this project page to stay informed.

Why are we updating this by-law?

In accordance with Section 26(9) of the Planning Act, the Township is required to review and amend its Comprehensive Zoning By-law within three years of an updated Official Plan coming into effect to ensure it conforms with the updated Official Plan. The District of Muskoka approved the Township’s new Official Plan on November 20, 2023.

The purpose of the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law is to implement the policies of the Official Plan for the District of Muskoka and the Township’s Official Plan. Official Plans are general documents that are not intended to regulate every aspect of built-form on a private lot. In the Province of Ontario, this is the role of a zoning by-law. The statutory authority to zone land is granted by the Planning Act. The Planning Act specifies what a zoning by-law can regulate.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update is being undertaken in two phases:

  1. Waterfront Zoning (completed in Fall 2025)
  2. Non-Waterfront Zoning (completed in Winter/Spring 2026)

Who's involved?

Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. and Donna Hinde of the Planning Partnership have been retained by the Township to to provide professional services to prepare the update. The Project Lead will be the Township’s Manager of Planning. A Project Steering Committee will provide initial feedback and guidance to the Township’s Planning Committee.

Final approval of the updated Comprehensive Zoning By-law will be made by Township Council at a future date.

Phase 1 | Waterfront Zoning

Consultation completed in Fall 2025.

In summer 2025, the Township engaged the community and stakeholders on Waterfront Area zoning issues as part of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update. Engagement activities included one-on-one conversations with the project consulting team, an in-person information session and an online survey.

Key Documents:

Phase 2 | Non-Waterfront Zoning

Consultation completed in Winter/Spring 2026.

In Winter/Spring 2026, this phase focused on key zoning issues affecting non-waterfront areas and was supported by a Consultation Guide outlining potential zoning changes aligned with the 2023 Official Plan. While parts of the 2023 Official Plan remain under appeal, this phase of engagement focuses on un-appealed policies and identified zoning issues.

Key Documents:

Recently Concluded:

  • Virtual Information Session (Occurred: January 26, 2026)
  • One-on-one phone conversation with the project consulting team (Occurred: January 16, 2026)
  • Online Survey (Closed: March 8, 2026)
  • In-person Information & Engagement Session (Occurred: March 4, 2026)

How to Get Involved

  • Written comments are always welcomed via email (to planning@muskokalakes.ca) or in-person at the Township Office (1 Bailey St., Port Carling), addressed to the Planning Department.
  • Share the project page with your neighbours and community networks to help spread the word.
  • CLOSED: This information session has concluded.

    You're Invited! | Non-Waterfront Zoning Info Session

    Join us for an in-person Information Session to learn more about the Township’s new Official Plan (currently under appeal) and share your thoughts on for non-waterfront properties in Muskoka Lakes.

    Date: Wednesday, March 4
    Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Port Carling Community Centre

    Click here to RSVP (via Eventbrite) (Note: to make a verbal RSVP, please call the Township Planning Department at 705-765-3156)

    This session is part of the Township’s ongoing Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update, with a focus on key considerations for the Non-Waterfront Area. 

    Topics will include:

    • Changing zoning standards to support affordable housing
    • Potential zoning standards for additional dwelling units
    • Changes to zone categories:
      1. Changing rural zone categories and minimum lot frontage and area requirements
      2. Zoning of residential clusters
      3. Zoning of local community areas
      4. Zoning to implement the new Local Agricultural Area designation
    • Zoning within Rural and Urban/Community Areas
    • Hunt Camps
    • Home-based businesses
    • Parking in Core Commercial areas

    What to expect:

    • The session will begin with a short presentation to walk you through the key zoning topics for consideration
    • Table group discussions on questions posed by the team
    • During the table group discussions members of Township staff and the consultants are available to answer questions and discuss any aspect of the key issues being considered. 

    Your feedback will help shape the future of zoning regulations in Muskoka Lakes Urban and Rural communities. No registration required – all are welcome.

    Before attending, we encourage you to review the Consultation Guide to explore the options being considered. We also welcome your thoughts on other non-waterfront related zoning issues not identified in the Consultation Guide. 

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  • This event has passed.

    Waterfront Area Zoning Open House – You’re Invited!

    Join us for an in-person Open House to learn more about the Township’s new Official Plan and share your thoughts on proposed zoning updates for waterfront properties in Muskoka Lakes.

    Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St)

    This session is part of the Township’s ongoing Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update, with a focus on key considerations for the Waterfront Area. 

    Topics will include:

    • Boathouse design and placement
    • Sport courts and recreational surfaces
    • Accessory buildings
    • Hot tub location and standards
    • And more!


    What to expect:

    • The session will begin with a short presentation to walk you through the key zoning topics for consideration
    • Table group discussions on questions posed by the team
    • During the table group discussions members of Township staff and the consultants are available to answer questions and discuss any aspect of the key issues being considered. 
    • Light snacks and refreshments will be provided


    Your feedback will help shape the future of zoning regulations along Muskoka’s shorelines. No registration required – all are welcome.

    Before attending, we encourage you to review the Consultation Guide to explore the options being considered. We also welcome your thoughts on other waterfront related zoning issues not identified in the Consultation Guide. 

    Share Waterfront Area Zoning Open House – You’re Invited! on Facebook Share Waterfront Area Zoning Open House – You’re Invited! on Twitter Share Waterfront Area Zoning Open House – You’re Invited! on Linkedin Email Waterfront Area Zoning Open House – You’re Invited! link
Page last updated: 08 Jun 2026, 10:34 AM